Isla Mujeres is one of the world's unique destinations that offers divers a breathtaking opportunity to encounter whale sharks in their natural habitat. During the period of June to mid-September hundreds of whale sharks migrate to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula to feed on blooming algae plankton. Whale sharks have only rarely been registered in large groups, however, during these feedings visitors can see as many as 400 whale sharks in one area. Though whale sharks can reach up to 14m/46ft in length, they are harmless to people. Important to note that under current regulations snorkelers and scuba divers are not permitted to touch the whale sharks.

When to go

Whale sharks can be met here starting from June till mid-September.

What to see

Divers are welcome to observe and photograph hundreds of whale sharks, as well as other large pelagic species such as sailfish, manta rays, golden rays and others.

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Whale Shark Encounter

The Swim excursion and whale shark watching is unique in the world, only in Australia and in the Mexican Caribbean we are fortunate to snorkel with the largest fish in the world in their natural habitat, The tour departs daily, in 33 ft boats. Maximum size allowed for security in the area is 10 passengers, a guide, a translator and a Captain. After the explanation boarded the boats to leave at 08:00 am to the area of whale shark sightings, north of Isla Contoy, which will arrive in about 45 min. The adventure begins at this time because it starts searching for sharks in the area , once finding them proceed to the completion of the swim, take place from 3 to 4 dives, 2 people entering the water and a guide. After swimming with the whale sharks, we dive into the coral Ixlaché II, which is near Contoy Island for snorkeling, this takes about 45 min. The return to the pier is about 2 in the afternoon and return customers to their hotels in our comfortable vans. If you do not swim with at least one whale shark at least once, you get a full reimbursement or the opportunity to reschedule. You must take: Towel, swimming suit, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen biodegradable, water shoes and / or sandals, identification, your coupon for reservation tour and / or the confirmation code; cash and / or credit card for tips and souvenirs.

Swim With the Whale Sharks (Meet at the Marina)

Whale Sharks (RhiniodonTypus) are harmless sharks, not whales, they are the largest fish in the ocean, reaching over 50’ (15 m) and over 27,000 lb (12,500 kg). They are filter feeders and their favorite meal is plankton. In order to feed, they scoop these tiny plants and little animals, with their colossal gaping mouths while swimming close to the water’s surface. The average size is about 7.5 meters or 25 feet long they are enormous . Whale sharks live in warm water near the equator. The Mexican Caribbean is one of the few places in the world where they are close enough to shore to make boat trips out to see them possible. Here is the biggest congregation in all over the world. Although massive, whale sharks are docile fish, you can safely snorkel with them while they are feeding in the surface, each encounter allows groups or 5 people to enter the water at a time along with your guide. Our crew will brief and assist you through out the day with information about the Whale Sharks: sex, migration, behavior, feeding patterns, how to take photos and more. They will also instruct you on how to best approach and swim with the Whale Sharks, so that your day with the world’s largest fish is a truly memorable one. During the trip you will also have the opportunity to also see dolphins and gigantic Manta rays. There are times when you will see dozens of these animals together with "jumping" manta rays out of the water, is a magnificent open ocean wild safari. Departure: 8:00 am from North Isla Mujeres also for the peoeple who stay at isla Mujeres we can go for you there, dock in downtown Isla Mujeres. See/swim with the Whale Sharks, the time you like, we are one of the last boats in the area. Snorkel for 30 minutes in Isla Che coral reef or if you prefer just swim at Isla Mujeres: 2 pm , North Cancun 2.15pm- 3pm. You must bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Sunglasses, Biodegradable sunscreen, hat, sandals, extra dry shirt o & wetsuit (if you have). We have wetsuits for rent.

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

The whale shark owes its name to its immense size of up to 12m in length and weighing up to 21 tons. His large size most clearly associates whale sharks with whales, but they are actually part of the shark family. The whale shark is not a hunter but one of the filter animals. He is the only surviving specimen of the genus Rhincodon, whose origins date back to 60 million years ago. The whale shark is the largest living fish and the largest, non-lactating vertebrate in the world. He lives in tropical, warm waters near the equator. The excursion starts at about 6am at your hotel. With the mini-van we go to Cancun for private investors in the harbor of Puerto Juarez. Here your guide will be waiting for you with a light breakfast and all the important information for the day. After the briefing, you will go via speedboat in the marine park to the whale sharks. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes. Once in the Marine Park, you can go swimming with the whale sharks, always two people plus a guide. We have plenty of time to relax here; no time pressure. In addition to the whale sharks, it is not uncommon to see manta rays, dolphins and turtles. After swimming, we will bring you to Isla Contoy or Isla Mujeres to snorkel at a small reef. After snorkeling we offer a small lunch of shrimp ceviche, water, soft drinks and beer. The boat is at 1p.m. or 2p.m. back at Puerto Juarez and from there it goes back to your hotel, hopefully with unforgettable memories and photos. Tip: When you snorkel with the whale sharks or even later on the reef, it is required that you wear a life jacket or a shorty. On board there is only life jackets, if you prefer to swim with a shorty we offer them for rent from our shop for 5 USD.

Whale Shark Encounter

There are few experiences in the world that match swimming alongside the largest fish in the sea – especially when that fish is a shark! But don’t worry: these Whale Sharks are known as “gentle giants.” The waters around Cancun are known for their whale population during late winter and early spring. From June till mid September, you may be lucky enough to find these huge and majestic creatures of the sea. Despite the resemblance in its name the whale shark isn’t a whale. It’s also not part of the the marine mammal family. The whale shark is actually the worlds largest fish, or shark for that matter. The name whale shark comes from the fact that this species of shark can grow to be as large as some whale species. It also happens to be a filter feeder, just like baleen whales. When fully grown the whale shark can grow to lengths of 40 ft., although some researchers speculate that 40 ft. may be a conservative number. These are certainly very large creatures and come face to face with them has never been easier. The boat leaves the Riu Caribe Peninsula pier at 8 am. After the snorkeling stop you will relax at North Beach in Isla Mujeres, where you will not leave the boat. You will have free time to swim and have lunch on the boat. Tour will finish aprox at 2pm. The approximate duration of the tour is 6 hours